Financial Literacy

Financial literacy:

Financial literacy stands for the knowledge, skills, and understanding of financial concepts and tools that enable individuals to make informed and effective decisions regarding their personal including budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, and managing debt. Financial literacy is essential in supporting financial inclusion.

Financial inclusion indicates the availability and accessibility of financial services and products to all segments of society, particularly to individuals and communities who have traditionally been excluded from formal financial systems. It aims to provide opportunities for people to participate in the formal economy, manage their finances, and improve their overall economic well-being.

Under this programme, various groups will be brought under financial literacy by dividing them into 3 levels, which are as follows:

Tier-wise Target Groups
Tier-1 Tier-2 Tier-3
  • Farmers and low income marginalized/under-privileged people (eligible for 10/- TK account such as: day laborers, disaster affected people, social safety net beneficiaries, low wage earners, physically challenged people, third gender, itinerant community, working teens etc.);
  • Students;
  • Cottage & Micro entrepreneurs/ Micro merchants/Retailers;
  • Women (Individual & Entrepreneur);
  • Migrant workers.
  • Youths;
  • SMEs;
  • Other wage earners community, Salaried people;
  • E-Commerce, F-Commerce,
  • Home base entrepreneurs.
  • Teachers;
  • Co-operative societies;
  • Business associations;
  • Other groups as identified and prioritized from time to time.

1) What is a Bank Account?

Answer: When a bank accepts money from a person or organization as a deposit, it opens an account in the name of that person or organization. The account through which the bank keeps and settles the accounts of all transactions including depositors’ money, withdrawals from it is called bank account. Interested individuals and organizations can open such accounts by applying in the prescribed form, submitting signatures, photographs and necessary documents and depositing the prescribed minimum amount.

2) What Is the Easiest Way to Open a Bank Account?

Answer: Banks generally provide a printed or online form to the customer for opening an account with certain conditions attached. A customer fills up the said form correctly and submits it to the bank for opening an account and if the bank checks the form well and is satisfied, then opens a bank account in the name of the customer.

3) How many types of deposit accounts can usually be opened in Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC.?

Answer: Islami Bank basically provides four types of account opening. Namely:

  • a) Al-Wadiah Current Account (Al-Wadiah Current Deposit)
  • b) Mudaraba Savings Deposit
  • c) Term Deposit Account and
  • d) Mudaraba Savings Scheme / Special Scheme (Mudaraba Savings Scheme / Special Scheme)

There are also several products for different types of people which are known as No-Frill Accounts. Such as:

  • Mudaraba Savings Account (Small Entrepreneurs/Traders and Low-Income Professionals/Marginalized Community, Code-110)
  • Mudaraba Savings Account (Student, Code -114)
  • Mudaraba Savings Account (Farmer, Code -115)
  • Mudaraba Savings Account (Garments Industries Workers, Code -116)
  • Mudaraba Savings Account (Freedom Fighter, Code 117)
  • Mudaraba Savings Account (Pathashishu, Code -119)

4) What are the rules regarding selection/change of nominee?

Answer: Nominee is a person/persons nominated by the account holder during his/her lifetime. Account holder can nominate more than one person as nominee. In the case of multiple nominees, the account holder will specify who will claim the percentage in the account opening form. The account holder can change the nominee at any time during his lifetime. One copy of passport size photograph of the nominee must be attested by the account holder and a copy of the nominee’s national identity card should also be attached to the said form.

Minors can also be nominated. However, if the nominee is a minor at the time of death of the account holder, the deposit amount can be withdrawn subject to submission of proper evidence with the help of the minor’s legal guardian.

5) What are the reasons for the bank account to become a dormant account?

Answer: If an account in the bank is inactive for a certain period of time, if no transaction takes place in this account, then the bank marks this account as a dormant account. And this time is different for each account.

6) What are the rules for closing bank accounts?

Answer: A customer can close his bank account if he no longer wants to manage it. In order to close the bank account, he has to take care of a few things:

  • to close the bank account, the bank account can be closed by submitting a written application to the manager of the branch in which the account is opened or by filling the prescribed form of the branch.
  • at the time of account closure, the bank provides the account status (if any) to the customer after deducting the necessary charges and taxes imposed by the government.
  • Charges applicable for bank account closure are mentioned in the schedule of charges of that bank.
  • Besides, account closure application/form along with unused check book/cheque page, debit card and other documents have to be submitted to the bank authority.

7) What is KYC/e-KYC?

Answer: According to the instructions of Bangladesh Bank, to open a bank account, the bank has to provide detailed information about the customer. For this, while opening a bank account, the customer has to fill in his information in a specific table and submit it to the bank. That is KYC. In support of the information provided by the customer, necessary documents such as customer’s photo, identity card, income proof, transaction information, address proof documents etc. have to be submitted. By verifying/reviewing these data, bankers determine the customer’s risk.

E-KYC is a method of collecting information about the customer by biometric (fingerprint)/iris (eyes) method followed by digital method. Currently, by following the e-KYC system, bank accounts can be opened very easily and in a short time without going to the bank. In e-KYC system, customer information is to be provided electronically and automatically stored in the database of the bank/financial institution.

Digital banking refers to a banking system where various banking services and activities are done through internet and mobile applications. Through digital banking, customers can avail various banking services at home without going to the bank.

1. What are the services of Digital Banking?

Various services are available through digital banking which makes banking activities easier and faster for customers. The main services of digital banking are:

  • Account balance check
  • Fund transfer
  • Bill payment
  • Mobile Recharge
  • Mini statement and transaction history
  • Check book request
  • Credit card payment
  • Fixed Deposit and Recurring Deposit
  • Loan/loan application
  • Account statement download
  • Customer service
  • Automatic payment setup
  • Notifications and Alerts
  • Customer Profile Management
  • Investment and Insurance

2. What is e-KYC and what is its process?

e-KYC (e-KYC) refers to the Electronic Know Your Customer (Electronic Know Your Customer) process, which verifies the customer’s identity through digital means. In e-KYC system, customer’s personal information such as name, address, date of birth etc. is collected and verified digitally. The e-KYC process is important for banks and financial institutions as it ensures customer identity, prevents fraud and ensures legal compliance.

Steps of e-KYC process:
Collection of Customer Information:
• First the customer’s personal information is collected, such as name, address, date of birth, etc. This information is usually taken from the customer’s identity document, such as a National Identity Card (NID), passport, or driver’s license.
Document Upload:
• Customer is asked to upload scan or photo of their identity card and other required documents.
Biometric Data Collection:
• In many cases, the customer’s fingerprint or facial image (facial recognition) is taken for identity verification.
Digital Signature:
• The customer may be asked to provide a digital signature, which is a secure and recognized method to ensure the customer’s consent.
Data Verification:
• Collected information is verified with various government databases. For example, national identity card information is verified against government databases.
Document Verification:
• Uploaded documents are verified. In some cases, physical verification may also be done.
Application Processing:
• After verifying the information and documents, the bank or financial institution processes the customer’s application and an account is opened.
Notification:
• Once the process is completed, notification is sent to the customer that their e-KYC has been completed.

Through the e-KYC process, banks and financial institutions can verify customer identity quickly, securely and effectively, saving time and hassle for customers as well.

3.What are the risks associated with Digital Banking?

Digital banking offers many benefits, but also comes with some risks. Below are the main risks associated with digital banking:

Cyber Attacks and Hacking:
• Banking systems and customer personal information are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers can access customer banking accounts and steal money.
Phishing and Scamming:
• Fraudsters may use phishing emails or fake websites to steal customer personal information. They can make illegal transactions with this information.
Malware and Viruses:
• Malware and viruses can attack computers or mobile devices to steal banking information.
Privacy Risks:
• With digital banking, customer personal and financial information is processed online, which may affect the privacy of the information.
System Downtime:
• If the banking system or server is down, customers cannot receive services, which may cause complications in transactions.
Unauthorized access:
• Someone else may gain access to the customer’s account due to weak passwords or security measures.
Personal Device Security:
• If the customer’s mobile or computer does not have proper security measures, it can be a big risk.
Impersonation (Electronic Identity Theft):
• Someone can steal the customer’s identity and open fake accounts in his name and make illegal transactions.
Network Security:
• Banking using open or unsecured networks exposes the risk of data theft.
Financial loss:
• Any of the above risks may result in direct financial loss to the customer.

Both banks and customers need to be aware and strengthen security measures to address these risks associated with digital banking. For example:

  • Using strong passwords
  • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Updating software regularly
  • Avoid phishing emails or suspicious links
  • Using only secure and trusted networks

Adopting all these security measures will make digital banking more secure and risk-free.

1. What is Agent Banking?

Answer: Agent banking is a banking system through which banking services are provided to the underprivileged and in remote areas through a limited range of representatives appointed by the bank, authorized and covered by a specific contract. One of the key features of agent banking is financial inclusion. About 50 percent of the total population of Bangladesh is still deprived of banking facilities. Efforts are made to involve all these groups in financial activities through agent banking. Agent banking is basically a digital operation which is relatively low risk.

2. What are the rules for opening an Agent Banking account?

Answer: According to the policy of Bangladesh Bank, account is opened in agent banking outlet according to the same rules as opening account in a bank branch. However, the customer has to be present in person to open the account at the outlet. Accounts are opened by customer’s live photo capture, fingerprint taking and TP, KYC, National ID verification and nominee data collection as per his income. Customers can transact from outlets and branches through the said account.

What is the transaction limit in Agent Banking? (In lakhs)

Number And Limit of Daily Transactions at Agent Outlets
Account Type Deposit Withdrawal Transfer
Number Money Number Money Number Money
Current 4 6 2 5 4 15
Savings 2 4 2 3 2 5
SND 4 6 2 3 4 10

4. Who can be an agent in Agent Banking?

Answer: According to the policy of Bangladesh Bank, the following institutions can be agents-

  • Microfinance Institute
  • Registered NGOs
  • Registered Society
  • Co-operative Societies
  • Government departments having branch offices
  • Courier service
  • Registered Company (Under Companies Act 1994)
  • Agents of mobile operators
  • Institutions under the local government
  • Union Digital Centre
  • Insurance company agent
  • Any business establishment having a valid trade license.

5.What are Agent Banking Services?

  • Opening of all types of accounts.
  • Deposit and withdrawal of money.
  • Fund transfer from one account to another.
  • Disbursement of remittance money through secret number and account.
  • Customer account status inquiry.
  • Remittance to other banks through BEFTN and RTGS.
  • Payment of salary to officers/employees by opening account of any organization.
  • Salary deposit of students in case of school-college.
  • Clearing of checks through branches.
  • Receipt of utility (gas, electricity, water and others) bills.
  • Collection of application form and necessary documents for the purpose of investment.
  • Disbursement of investments approved by the bank and collection of installments of disbursed investments.
  • To supervise post disbursement activities.
  • Fulfilling responsibilities under social security program announced by Govt.
  • Conducting campaigns related to school banking in various educational institutions.
  • Islamic Wallet Management.
  • I-Banking etc.

6. Is it safe to open and manage accounts through Agent Banking?

Answer: Account opening and management through agent banking is safe. To open an account at an agent outlet, the customer has to be present in person. Customer’s live photo capture, 10-finger fingerprint and national identity card are verified online from the Election Commission server to open the account. A confirmation SMS with the account number will be sent to the customer’s given mobile number subject to successful account opening. Later, transactions can be done through fingers from the outlet through the said account and after each transaction, an automatic printed receipt is issued and an SMS containing the transaction information is sent to the given mobile number. As a result, the customer can be informed about his transaction and balance easily and securely. Finally, account opening and management through agent banking is completely safe.

Opening a new account in Islamic Wallet is very easy! Currently, all the customers of Airtel, Banglalink, Teletalk, Grameenphone and Robi can open Islamic Wallet account by downloading the Islamic Wallet app on their mobile phone. Any person can open the account by sitting at home by following the steps in the Islamic Wallet App.

1) Open Account through Islamic Wallet App:

What is required to open an account through Islamic Wallet App-

  • 1. Smartphone
  • 2. Original copy of National Identity Card

Account Opening Procedure:

  • 1. Islamic Wallet app must be downloaded from Google Playstore/Apple Appstore.
  • 2. Go to the Islamic Wallet app and tap on Login/Register.
  • 3. Select the operator and enter your mobile number.
  • 4. Proceed to the next step with the verification code sent to the mobile number.
  • 5. Read and agree to the terms and proceed ahead.
  • 6. Take a photo of the front and back of your National Identity Card.
  • 7. Check the required information and proceed.
  • 8. Just take a selfie with the phone’s front camera.
  • 9. Now submit the information and proceed.
  • 10. If the registration is successful, a 4-digit OTP will be sent to your mobile via SMS. Log in with this OTP and set a 4-digit PIN. (Do not share OTP & PIN with anyone)
  • 11. Wait for the verification confirmation SMS. Islamic Wallet Authority may take 2-3 working days to verify this information.
  • 12. Now login to Islamic Wallet app.

* Always keep your PIN number secret

2) Open Account through e-KYC at Agent Point:

Islamic Wallet account can be opened in collaboration with the nearest digital registration point. Bring with you to open the account-

  • 1. Mobile Phone
  • 2. Original copy of National Identity Card

Account Opening Process:

  • 1. The agent will confirm your mobile number and operator and take permission to open the account.
  • 2. Take the reference number sent to your number.
  • 3. Take a photo of the front and back of your National Identity Card.
  • 4. The agent will take a picture of you and provide all the information through e-KYC.
  • 5. If the registration is successful, a 4-digit OTP will be sent to your mobile via SMS. Log in with this OTP and set a 4-digit PIN (Do not share OTP and PIN with anyone).
  • 6. Wait for the verification confirmation SMS. Islamic Wallet Authority may take 2-3 working days to verify this information.
  • 7. Now login to Islamic Wallet app.

3. What are the types of MFS accounts?

Answer:
1. Customer Account
2. Merchant Account
3. Distributor Account
4. Personal Retail Account

4. What is the transaction limit (daily/monthly) in MFS account?

Transaction Limits
Type of Transaction Maximum Transaction Amount Amount Limit per Transaction Maximum Limit
Daily Monthly Minimum (BDT) Maximum (BDT) Daily (BDT) Monthly (BDT)
Cash-in from agent points 5 25 50 30,000 30,000 2,00,000
Add Money from Bank Account/Card 5 25 50 50,000 50,000 3,00,000
Send Money (P2P) 50 100 10 25,000 25,000 2,00,000
Mobile Recharge 50 1,500 10 Prepaid: 1,000
Postpaid: 5,000
10,000 1,00,000
Payment No Limit No Limit 0.1 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Cash-out from agent points 5 20 50 25,000 25,000 1,50,000
Bank Account Transfer 5 20 50 50,000 50,000 3,00,000

* A customer can keep a maximum of Rs 300,000 in his MFS account at any one time.

* Transaction limits are variable as per Bangladesh Bank guidelines.

5. What are the services of MFS account?

Answer: Services of Islamic Wallet:

  • Cash-in
  • Ad-money
  • Mobile recharge
  • Paying bills
  • Merchant payment by scanning Bangla QR
  • E-commerce transactions
  • Send-money
  • Fund Transfer (Bank Account)
  • Tuition fee payment
  • Making donations to various charities
  • Cash-out

5. What are the risks associated with MFS accounts?

Answer: Awareness is the first and best tool to prevent fraud. So always keep few things in mind, only then your money will be safe:

  • No matter what anyone says, never tell or type the OTP/PIN of the Islamic wallet account, don’t let anyone know.
  • Bank/Islamic Wallet Authority will never ask for your PIN or OTP.
  • If the officer shows fear/greed, call will be cut off.
  • I will cut the call if the agent forgets that the money has arrived.
  • If you want to give donation or allowance by phone, I will cut the call.
  • Don’t listen when asked to go to online allowance/gift link.

Islamic Wallet is always striving and determined to provide fraud and risk free digital financial services to customers. Our mission is to be vigilant and create awareness to protect your money and personal information and avoid fraud. You can learn more about the ways in which fraudsters can lure you into a fraud trap from the following fraud patterns and take the necessary precautions to avoid fraud.

Types of Fraud:

  • Fake call that Islamic wallet account is closed
  • Fake calls or messages about grant/allowance/stipend
  • Account update/info update
  • IMO/Messenger/WhatsApp
  • Fake news of accidents
  • False offers/advertisements
  • Agent DSO Masking or Head Office Officer

What to do if cheated:

If you think you have been scammed, follow these steps:

  • In the first instance, immediately report the matter to the Islamic Wallet Authority by calling the Islamic Wallet Helpline 16434 or through other customer services. Try to explain the timing of the cheating and how you were cheated.
  • Change your Islamic wallet account PIN quickly. Do not share the new PIN with anyone while changing the PIN. In this case, you can call Islamic Wallet Helpline 16434 or take assistance through other customer services.

**A channel of communication with the Islamic Wallet Authority for any business and complaint related needs

  • Islamic Wallet Helpline by calling 16434
  • Contact your nearest branch
  • E-mail- islamicwallet@aibl.com.bd
  • Official Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/islamicwallet

DO’s:

  • In case of institutional financial transactions, it must be verified whether Bangladesh Bank or regulatory authority approved institution or not.
  • Bank Account Confidential Information like: Account Number/Status, Check Book, Card Number, PIN, Password/Secret Number or PIN/Secret Number in case of Debit Card/Credit Card/Mobile/Internet Banking must be remembered.
  • Any document related to banking should be signed after reading and understanding it well
  • Before becoming a guarantor or guarantor or providing a third-party mortgage against the loan, the terms/rules must be properly understood.
  • No transaction shall be made with any officer/employee of the bank except at the cash counter and the receipt (computer generated where applicable) of each transaction shall be duly acknowledged before leaving the counter.
  • By enjoying online banking services, it is safe and affordable to take banking services at home without going to the bank.

DON’T’s:

  • Financial transactions cannot be made with institutions or individuals outside the authorized bank/financial institution for the lure of extra profit/interest;
  • Bank account confidential information such as: account number/status, check book, card number, PIN, password/secret number or PIN/secret number in case of debit card/credit card/mobile/internet banking etc. shall not be given to any other person;
  • A blank check (without writing the amount) cannot be given to anyone;
  • Never give account to anyone on social media (Facebook)/mobile/e-mail as friends, offers to send gifts or parcels from home/abroad, offers of employment, offers of higher profits or low-cost products, lottery prizes and miraculous wealth. Information or money transfer or mobile wallet confidential information or credit/debit card PIN or password information shall not be given;
  • Banks and other financial service provider’s customer care officers should not be given confidential information (PIN/password) under any circumstances. Remember that the bank or financial institution or the customer care of mobile banking never asks for this information from the customer;
  • Bangladesh Bank does not do any form of direct customer banking. Do not be swayed by any such temptation.